Swollen Glands And Other Lumps Under The Skin: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have a lump or swollen gland in your neck or throat?

See significance of a lump or swollen gland in the neck or throat if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has a lump formed rapidly in your throat, but you are not having trouble breathing?

Yes

Are you having severe trouble swallowing but no trouble breathing?

Yes

Is your baby having trouble swallowing or refusing to eat but no trouble breathing?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a hard lump in your neck with pain or a feeling of fullness in your throat?

Yes

Do you have a hard lump in your neck with trouble swallowing?

Yes

Do you have a hard lump in your neck with unexplained hoarseness?

Yes

Do you have a lump or swelling in your neck and symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had a lump or swollen gland for 2 weeks or longer that is not getting smaller or less tender?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had a lump or swollen gland for 2 weeks or longer that seems to be improving but has not gone away?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	May 08, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer